2nd International Conference on Ophthalmology & Vision Science
August 04, 2025 | Virtual Event
Peter Podar
Vanderbilt University, USA
Presbyopia affects over two billion people worldwide, yet current optical solutions-such as
multifocal and progressive lenses-often compromise peripheral clarity, introduce distortion,
and limit dynamic focus. We present a tunable focus ophthalmic lens designed to overcome
these limitations by providing continuous, distortion-free vision correction across near, intermediate,
and far distances. The lens features a soft, deformable membrane and fluid-filled
chamber that adjust focal power in response to low-voltage actuation. A customizable resting
power allows alignment with the user’s baseline prescription, and a variable actuation
speed mimics natural accommodation transitions. Bench testing confirmed a reproducible
relationship between applied voltage and dioptric shift (ΔD/ΔV), with effective correction
demonstrated from +6D to –6D. High-resolution target tests showed sharp visual performance
across focal states, without the field-of-view artifacts typical of static or segmented
lenses. To enable automatic focusing, a low- power, camera-free vergence tracking system
was developed using infrared-based pupil localization to triangulate viewing distance and
apply corresponding focal adjustments in real time. By combining correction and diagnostic
capabilities in a single wearable system, this technology introduces a scalable, personalized
solution for presbyopia and astigmatism. It holds particular promise for both modern clinical
practice and low-resource settings, supporting broader efforts to advance accessible, adaptive
eye care worldwide.
Peter Podar is affiliated with the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Vanderbilt University, Tennessee,
USA. His work focuses on advancing biomedical technologies through interdisciplinary research, contributing to
innovations in medical diagnostics, therapeutics, and healthcare engineering.